Warm Conditions Take Their Toll on Frozen Lake’s Surface Integrity

A 1983 Cessna 185F Skywagon practicing touch-and-go's at Ogden, Utah's Pineview Reservoir broke through the ice, stranding the two occupants with a partially-submerged aircraft.

The occupants safely got out of the plane, trekking across the frozen lake on foot. Luckily, they exited the cockpit before it had completely submerged, meeting up with first responders ashore for much-needed warmth and a quick checkout at the local hospital.

The decision to practice maneuvers on the reservoir was not a great one, given Utah's unseasonably warm January this month. Temps have largely stayed above freezing throughout the month, with the 26th seeing temps go from 36 fahrenheit to 43 degrees at midday. That wasn't entirely conducive to strong ice conditions, as the now waterlogged Cessna can attest. Ultimately, it's a lesson for all not to assume that winter always brings winter conditions.

The local Weber County Sheriff’s office commented on the incident, with Casey Neif weighing in: "Reports that we got from the passengers was that they were doing touch-and-go's on the ice and broke through the ice, I'm assuming that they were just touching down briefly on the ice and lifting back off."

FMI: www.aviation-safety.net